Thermal Cracking and Temperature Control in Mass Concrete
Fee: $1,995 / Online / Nov 25 - 27, 2026 / Course Code: 17-1119-ONL26
OVERVIEW
Please note, This instructor-led course has specific dates and times:
This course is held online over 3 days on the following schedule (All times in Eastern Time Zone): Day 1: 10 am to 6 pm Eastern (Will include the usual breaks) Day 2: 10 am to 6 pm Eastern (Will include the usual breaks) Day 3: 10 am to 1:30 pm Eastern (Will include the usual breaks) Please note that it is a requirement for all attendees to sign a "Confidentiality Agreement" prior to receiving the course notes for this online offering.
After participating in this course, you will be able to:
- Analyze hydration mechanisms in cement and supplementary cementitious materials to optimize mass concrete performance.
- Implement strategies for managing temperature effects in concrete, ensuring stability in various environmental conditions.
- Evaluate and mitigate thermal stress, strain, and cracking in concrete structures.
- Design effective mix proportions and temperature control measures tailored for mass concrete applications.
- Inspect, diagnose, and address thermal cracks, applying advanced practices for prevention and control.
Description
Managing thermal effects is essential for the stability and longevity of mass concrete structures. Participants in this course will explore the factors contributing to heat evolution and temperature rise, including hydration and environmental exposure. Through a comprehensive study, you will gain insights into the properties of cementitious materials, thermal stress behaviours, and effective measures to prevent and address thermal cracking in large-scale concrete applications. Techniques for managing temperature, such as thermal insulation and cooling systems, will also be examined.
The course combines theoretical principles with practical approaches to equip professionals with effective temperature control and cracking mitigation strategies. Topics such as the environmental impacts on concrete, temperature effects, and regulatory guidelines will be explored in depth. With a focus on real-world applications, participants will analyze case studies, inspect current structures, and discuss real-life scenarios they’ve encountered in their careers.
By the end of the course, attendees will have a robust understanding of temperature management in mass concrete. You’ll be prepared to apply these methods to enhance structural integrity and align with industry standards, promoting the durability and safety of concrete structures across various climates.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for professionals involved in designing, constructing, and maintaining mass concrete structures. Ideal participants include construction and structural engineers, project managers, technicians, technologists, facility managers, and architects. Engineers in training, construction inspectors, inspection officials, and anyone responsible for the quality and durability of concrete projects will benefit from the insights provided.
Additional audiences may include sustainability specialists, quality control professionals, and consultants who seek to enhance their understanding of thermal effects in concrete. The course is well-suited for individuals seeking to expand their expertise in temperature control and cracking prevention techniques for large-scale structures in varying environmental conditions.
SYLLABUS
Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Method
Day I
- Introduction: The significance of thermal stress in mass concrete
- Overview of cement and concrete
- Supplementary cementitious materials and chemical admixtures
- Heat of hydration and adiabatic temperature rise of concrete
- Thermal properties of concrete
- Relevant mechanical properties of concrete
- Autogenous, plastic, and drying shrinkage
- Thermal stress and thermal deformations in concrete
- Mechanisms of thermal cracking in concrete
- Mixture proportioning for crack avoidance
- Mixture design for conventional mass concrete
- Examples and case studies
Day II
- Theoretical considerations for temperature control in mass concrete
- Heat conduction in mass concrete
- Air temperature and temperature increments due to sunshine
- Temperature field of massive concrete structures in service
- Placing temperature and temperature rise of concrete
- Natural cooling of mass concrete
- Stress and strain relationship in mass concrete
- Thermal stress in slabs, beams, foundations, and massive structures (dams, etc.)
- Temperature control in concrete
- Pipe cooling of mass concrete
- Precooling systems for mass concrete
- Post-cooling systems for mass concrete
- Transport and placement of concrete
- Surface cooling and insulation of mass concrete
- MgO concrete for dam construction
- Construction of mass concrete in winter and summer
- Temperature control of concrete in a cold region
- Allowable temperature difference, cooling capacity, inspection and treatment of cracks, and administration of temperature control
- Key principles for temperature control of mass concrete
- Evaluation of Concrete in Existing Massive Structures for Service Conditions
Day III
- Concrete pavements
- Numerical modelling of massive concrete structure’s behaviour
- Cracking risk and regulations
- On-site monitoring and instruments for temperature measurements
- Sustainability aspects in mass concrete
Open Forum: Questions and Answers, Feedback on Achievement of Learning Outcomes
Concluding Remarks and Final Adjournmentv
INSTRUCTOR
Dean, College of Engineering and Physic — University of Guelph
Guelph, ON
Dean, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Moncef received his BASc from Laval University, MASc from Sherbrooke University, and Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia, all in civil engineering. He is currently dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Guelph. He was previously professor and chair of the Department of Civil Engineering at McMaster University and professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Western University, where he also served as associate director for Environmental Research Western.
His industrial experience includes serving as technical manager for three different companies. He was licensed as a professional engineer in British Columbia in 1998 and in Ontario in 1999. He is the past chair of the ACI committee 555 on recycled materials, past chair of the CSCE sub-committee on cement and concrete, past chair of the CSCE Materials and Mechanics Division, is deputy chair of the RILEM committee on concrete data science, and was co-chair of the Infrastructure Division of NSERC’s Discovery Grant Committee 1509. He has provided consulting services for some world landmark projects, including some of the world's tallest buildings, the world’s largest airport, the world’s most venerated pedestrian bridge, and the world’s deepest and second-largest water treatment plant.
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